As parents, we never think twice when it comes to commanding children. Its something we do by default. Kit, can you sit down and do something creative now? Kat, when do you think you will be done with your homework? Can you concentrate now?

In the same way, we try to fit in as many activities we can (and can afford) into a child's schedule to keep them busy and make them smarter! The same happened with Kit. A typical day for her used to be - go to school at 8am, come back at 4pm, have an after school activity (gymnastics, swimming, art, ice skating) till 5:30pm, shower at 6pm, dinner at 6:30pm and then prepare for bed by 7:30pm. - wow! exhausting!!

It was during one of these tightly packed days that I asked Kit if she could hurry up finishing her puzzle (which she had only just started) so we could be on schedule for shower and dinner. She looked up at me with her big eyes and solemn face and said - "Will I ever have time for life, mummy?"

Although I did not think much at the time, when I thought about it later at night, I realized that Kit was right. We try so hard to make them smart that we forget to let them be kids. Let them have fun.

So I learnt my lesson this year. Kit has an interesting schedule with activities AND fun included and most importantly, there is time for free play. There is definitely TIME FOR LIFE!